JP7062738B2 - Capsules, systems for preparing drinkable beverages from such capsules, and how to use such capsules in beverage preparation equipment. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule according to the introductory portion of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a system for preparing a drinkable beverage according to the introductory portion of claim 37, and how to use such capsules.

Such capsules, systems, and methods of use are known in European patents (EP-B-1 700 548). In known systems, the capsule comprises a sealing structure with a stepped shape, i.e., a sharp increase in the diameter of the side wall of the capsule, and the enclosing member of this known system is sealed to provide deflection to the sealing structure. It has a sealing surface that acts on the stop structure, and the sealing structure is tilted so that the deflection of the sealing structure is a deformation of the step inward and downward. Further in known systems, the enclosure comprises a capsule holder and a manually operated or automatic mechanism for the relative displacement of the enclosure and the capsule holder. The manual or automatic mechanism exerts a force on the sealing structure of the capsule as the enclosure closes on the capsule holder. This force should ensure fluid sealing between the enclosure and the capsule. Since the manual operation or automatic mechanism is arranged to move relative to the base, the sealing ability of the system may depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by the fluid injecting means. As the pressure of the fluid increases, so does the force between the encapsulating structure of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member, thereby also increasing the force between the encapsulating structure of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member. do. Such a system will be described later. Once the capsule encapsulation structure reaches maximum fluid pressure within the enclosing member, the encapsulation structure should also provide fluid encapsulation contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. Must be set up. However, the encapsulation structure is also before or at the start of preparation, when the pressure of the fluid outside the capsule and within the enclosing member is relatively low, the encapsulating structure also comprises the enclosing member and the capsule. It shall be arranged to provide a fluid sealing contact between them. Leakage will occur if there is no fluid sealing contact between the capsule and the enclosure at the start of preparation. However, if a leak occurs, the enclosure to increase the force on the sealing structure by the free end of the enclosure when a manual or automatic mechanism moves the enclosure towards the capsule holder. It may actually occur that the pressure inside the member and outside the capsule does not rise sufficiently. Only in the presence of sufficient initial encapsulation will the pressure within the enclosure increase and thereby the force acting on the encapsulation structure of the capsule at the free end of the enclosing member will increase and the fluid will increase. The pressure provides sufficient fluid sealing contact. In addition, this increased fluid pressure on the outside of the capsule also gives an increased pressure on the inside of the capsule, which is a relief of the capsule holder (also called the extraction plate) of the capsule in which the capsule is a beverage preparation device. Required if the member is provided with a lid that is arranged to dehiscence under the influence of fluid pressure within the capsule.

From the above, it can be said that the sealing structure is an extremely important member in design. If a relatively small force is applied to the encapsulation structure by the annular end face of the enclosing member, a relatively low fluid pressure should be able to provide a fluid encapsulation contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. However, if the free end of the enclosure exerts a stronger force on the capsule's encapsulation structure, a fluid encapsulation contact should be provided at a much higher fluid pressure within the encapsulation outside the capsule. .. In particular, once the enclosure and the enclosure are provided so that the user can easily remove the capsule when the free end of the enclosure is provided with an open groove extending radially (it acts as an air inlet passage). The force between the capsule holder is released and the sealing structure must also be able to "close" the radial opening groove to provide an effective sealing.

From International Publication No. 2012/120459, capsules are known in which the sealing structure comprises a deformable portion of the outwardly projecting flange of the capsule body. However, it is guaranteed that the sealing ring portion provides a sealing that contacts the annular end face of the enclosing member when it is deformed between its annular surface and the closing member. In order to do so, the annular end face of the enclosure member has a means of transforming the form of a shallow, rounded groove extending in the circumferential direction of the surface of the annular member. During operation, the shallow, rounded grooves ensure that the upright ribs of the deformable portion fold inward. Therefore, the reliable functioning of such capsules will only be guaranteed when using a beverage conditioning device.

A portion of a flange in which the capsule is placed within an enclosure of the beverage preparation device and the enclosure is closed by a closing member of the beverage preparation device, eg, an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device, extending outwardly of the capsule. And the encapsulating structure of the capsule, provided with a plurality of open grooves extending radially when the annular end face is clamped between the annular end face of the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device. Reliable against the annular end face of the beverage preparation equipment enclosure, even in the case of enclosures where they can still be manufactured at low cost and which are environmentally friendly and easily recyclable after the capsules have been disposed of after use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule to be sealed. In many known capsules, the encapsulant is made from an elastic material, such as a rubber elastic material, more specifically, such as a silicon material, which, after use, is the aluminum for recycling purposes. Should be separated from the base and lid.

This object is achieved by providing a capsule according to claim 1.

The sealing structure includes a deformable sealing ring portion of the flange, the sealing ring portion axially projecting from the base portion of the flange on the side of the base portion opposite the lid and the sealing. Since the structure is integrated into the flange of the capsule, the capsule can be manufactured quickly and at low cost, and the aluminum capsule body can be easily recycled. In this context, the meaning of "aluminum" is understood to include aluminum alloys as well.

The top of the bridge portion axially farthest from the base portion of the flange is flat or has a curved central surface with a radius of curvature greater than twice the wall thickness of the top of the bridge portion. Therefore, the bridge portion can be easily deformed locally even at a low clamping pressure, and when clamped between the annular end face of the enclosure member and the closing member, the annular end face of the enclosure member. Fits the shape. Even in the case of an enclosing member where the annular end face is provided with an opening groove extending radially, the sealing structure is a circumferential continuous protrusion and a circumferential extension formed by the annular end face of the enclosing member. During the initial stage of closure of the enclosure, where the enclosing member and the closing member can be fitted to the recess and the clamping pressure against which the enclosing member and the closing member are pressed against each other is relatively low, the sealing structure is provided on the annular end face. It also effectively seals the recessed surface portion.

The sealing between the annular end face of the enclosure and the sealing ring portion of the flange is effective in ensuring that the pressure drop across the material within the capsule is sufficient for the desired beverage preparation process. It is noted that in order to be, it does not have to be hermetically airtight under all circumstances. With a liquid leak up to 4% of the volume of liquid pumped through the capsule, preferably no more than 2.5%, the encapsulation causes the beverage preparation device to produce the desired pressure drop over the material. It is still valid. Therefore, a seal that tolerates such leaks constitutes an effective seal.

The invention can also be implemented in the system of claim 37 and the method of use according to claim 47. In the operation and use of such systems, the bridge portion is easily deformed locally when clamped between the annular end face of the enclosure and the closing member, thereby the enclosure. Fits the shape of the annular end face of the member. More specifically, when the clamping pressure against which the enclosing member and the closing member are pressed against each other is relatively low, the sealing structure is a series of circumferential protrusions formed by the annular end face of the enclosing member. And is housed in the recess and is already effectively sealed to the recessed portion of the annular end face.

Good compatibility with the shape of the annular end face, and thus low sealing pressure, when at least a portion of the top of the bridge portion has a reduced wall thickness that is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner sidewall and outer wall portions. Already a particularly effective and reliable encapsulation can be achieved.

If the capsule body has a coating on at least one surface, the removal of the coating on at least a portion of the top of the bridge portion with reduced wall thickness occurs relatively when the wall thickness is reduced during manufacturing. Reduces the risk of damage or peeling of the coating during major deformations. For example, if reducing the wall thickness involves removing the wall material, the coating can also be removed while reducing the wall thickness during manufacturing.

Further enhanced sealing effects can be achieved if the uncoated portion of the bridge portion is on the side of the flange opposite the lid and has a textured surface. If the sealing pressure is still low, the texture of the surface can further improve the suitability in the early stages of the clamp. This is because the clamping force is transmitted only through the ridges of the texture, so that higher contact pressure is applied at the ridges than is applied to the perfectly smooth contact surface.

A particularly improved sealing effect can be achieved if the textured surface includes ridges and valleys extending circumferentially of the flange. This is because the initial conformance to the shape of the annular end face is generally achieved in the annular region or ring compartment that extends primarily in the circumferential direction.

The present invention can also be carried out in the method of claim 52 for producing such capsules. The coating is efficiently removed from the portion of the flange where the wall thickness should be reduced before or during the reduction of the wall thickness.

Particularly efficient of the reduced wall thickness when the coating is removed from the portion of the flange where the wall thickness should be reduced during the material removal step to remove the wall material to reduce the wall thickness. Manufacture can be achieved.

However, the coating on the top of the bridge portion is the same coating as on the rest of the outer surface of the capsule body, or the rest of the outer surface of the capsule body. It is either a different coating than the coating above, which reduces friction between, for example, the annular end face of the enclosure and the surface portion of the sealing ring portion in contact with the annular end face. The sealing can also be improved by allowing the sealing ring portion in contact with the annular end face to easily adapt to the shape of the annular end face.

During sealing, if one of the inner and outer wall portions is oriented with respect to the base portion of the flange at a different angle than the other of the inner and outer wall portions. Accurate and reliable deformation of the sealing structure to a given shape can be achieved. In particular, it prevents the generation of transitions between the circumferential portions that deform into different end shapes with an increased risk of leakage.

One of the inner and outer wall portions is at an angle, preferably 20-60 °, more preferably 30-50 ° to the plane of the flanking related adjacent base portion of the flange. The other of the inner and outer wall portions extends from the flanking-related adjacent base portion to the plane of the flange-related flanking base portion. This effect can be achieved particularly effectively when the angle is steep or opposite, preferably extending at 60-160 °, more preferably 70-150 °.

For smooth, accurate and reliable deformation to a given shape, especially when at least one of the inner and outer wall portions has a curved central surface in the cross section. When the curved portion of the inner and outer wall portions is adjacent to the curvature at the top of the bridge portion, and in cross section, the deformable portion is Ω-shaped. It is advantageous if you are doing. Another advantage of the Ω shape is that only a small gap is left between the inner and outer bases of the flange, leaving a large surface area for the lid to bond to the flange. It means that it is.

A support member may be provided between the inner side wall portion and the outer wall portion in order to obtain a high counter pressure during the final stage of deformation of the sealing structure.

When the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member of the compatible beverage preparation device, the top of the bridge portion is arranged so that it is first contacted by the annular end portion. In addition, a particularly easy fit to the shape of the annular end face can be achieved.

The apex of the bridge portion forms a rounded or flat ridge extending circumferentially around the centerline of the capsule. The ridge formed by the top of the bridge has a diameter of 29-33 mm, more preferably 30.0-31.4 mm, most preferably 30.3-31.0 mm, and the annular end face. And the bridge portion when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the closing member of a widely used and commercially available beverage preparation device such as Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza. The top of the ring is centered relative to the annular end face so that it first contacts the central portion of the annular end face.

In one embodiment of the capsule, where the capsule is filled with an extractable product, such as 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of roasted and ground coffee. , The present invention is particularly advantageous.

In one embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, which is particularly easy to manufacture, the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange is about 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottom of the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

In one embodiment of the capsule, the invention is particularly advantageous when the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20-200 μm, preferably 100 μm.

In one embodiment of the capsule, the invention is particularly advantageous when the thickness of the aluminum lid is 15-65 μm, preferably 30-45 μm, more preferably 39 μm.

In one embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the wall thickness of the aluminum lid is thinner than the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body.

In another embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the aluminum lid is to be dehiscenced on a closing member of the beverage preparation device, eg, an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device, under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule. It is arranged.

In one embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, which is particularly easy to manufacture, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end facing the bottom, and the outwardly extending flange is the said of the side wall. It extends from the free end at least substantially across the central axis of the capsule body. Preferably, the outwardly extending flange comprises a curved outer edge that is effective in obtaining a satisfactory seal at the annular end face provided with an radially extending open groove. The radius of the inner edge of the curved outer edge of the outwardly extending flange around the central axis of the capsule body is preferably at least 32 mm, thus ensuring clearance of the enclosure from the annular end face. The radius. The encapsulation structure is then located between the curved outer edges of the flange extending outward to the free end of the side wall of the aluminum ninium capsule body in order to obtain a more satisfactory encapsulation. preferable.

To ensure that the curved outer edge does not interfere with the operation of a wide range of commercial and future beverage preparation equipment, the outwardly extending flange has a radial cross-sectional maximum dimension of approximately 1.2 mm. ..

The present invention is particularly useful for capsules in which the inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and the outermost edge of the outwardly extending flange can be about 3.8 mm. The preferred height of the aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

In one embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, which is easier for the user to remove from the beverage preparation device after use, the aluminum capsule body is truncated, preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is centered on the capsule body. It has a line perpendicular to the axis and an angle of about 97.5 °.

In an advantageous embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a maximum inner diameter of about 23.3 mm. The bottom of the aluminum capsule body is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm, the bottom having a substantially flat diameter of about 8.3 mm opposite the lid center. It is preferable to have a portion.

In virtually all cases, satisfactory encapsulation is such that the height of the encapsulation structure is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, most preferably at least 0.8 mm, and up to 3 mm, more preferably. Can be obtained in embodiments of capsules according to the invention, up to 2 mm, most preferably up to 1.2 mm.

See above for preferred embodiments of the system as described in the dependent claim with respect to the same characteristics as the dependent claim with respect to the capsule.

The present invention is particularly suitable for systems according to the invention, wherein the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosure of the beverage preparation device in use is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably 12-18 bar. Even at such high pressures, a satisfactory seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation device can be obtained.

Preferably, in use, the system comprises a flange in which the free end of the enclosure of the beverage preparation device extends outwardly of the capsule and the enclosure of the beverage preparation device during preparation. Arranged to exert a force F2 on the encapsulation structure of the capsule so as to provide a fluid encapsulation contact between, where F is the enclosure of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule. When the fluid pressure P2 in the member is in the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably 12 to 18 bar, it is in the range of 500 to 1500 N, preferably 750 to 1250 N. In particular, the system, in use, with a flange in which the free end of the enclosure of the beverage preparation device extends outwardly of the capsule and the enclosure of the beverage preparation device before or at the start of preparation. It is configured to exert a force F1 on the sealing structure of the capsule so as to provide a fluid sealing contact between the capsules. Here, F1 is 30 when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosure of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar. It is ~ 150N, preferably 40 ~ 150N, more preferably 50 ~ 100N.

In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the plurality of radial open grooves are evenly spaced from each other in the tangential direction of the annular end face of the annular element of the beverage preparation device and are therefore used. It is easier for the person to remove the capsule, while still providing a satisfactory seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation device.

In one advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the longest tangential width of each groove (equal to the top-to-top, i.e., groove-to-groove pitch) is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95. It is about 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, and the maximum height of each groove in the axial direction of the surrounding member of the beverage preparation device is 0.01 to 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03. It is ~ 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferably 0.05 mm, and the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular end face at the groove position is, for example, 0.05 to 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.55 mm.

During use, the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the free end of the enclosure of the beverage preparation device when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosure of the beverage preparation device. In order to add, the enclosure of the beverage preparation device is subject to the closure of the beverage preparation device towards the closing member of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosure of the beverage preparation device. The present invention is particularly suitable when applied to one embodiment of a system according to the invention, which is capable of moving relative to a member.

Other advantageous aspects, effects, and details of the invention will be further described with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the drawings.

It is a schematic diagram of one Embodiment of the system according to this invention. It is a perspective view of one Embodiment of the beverage preparation apparatus of the system according to this invention, and shows the annular end face of the surrounding member of the beverage preparation apparatus which has a plurality of open grooves extending in the radial direction. It is sectional drawing of one Embodiment of the capsule according to this invention before use. FIG. 3A is an enlarged detailed view of the capsule, showing an outwardly extending flange and sealing structure. FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed view of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule in FIGS. 3A and 3B after use. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the sealing structure with the flange extending outward of the capsule according to this invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of System 1 for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied into the capsule under pressure. The system 1 includes a capsule 2 and a beverage preparation device 4 which are sealed so as to be sealed. The device 4 includes an enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4 further includes a closing member for holding the capsule 2, such as an extraction plate 8.

In FIG. 1, a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the surrounding member 6 and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 is in contact with the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate member 8 during use. Generally, the surrounding member 6 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The device 4 further comprises a fluid infusion means 10 for supplying a certain amount of fluid, eg water, to the exchangeable capsule 2 under a pressure in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably 12-18 bar. There is.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the replaceable capsule 2 includes an aluminum capsule body 12 having a capsule body central axis 12A and an aluminum lid 14. In this embodiment, the aluminum capsule body 12 extends outside the peripheral wall 16 at the side wall 16, the bottom 18 that closes the side wall 16 at the first end, and the second end facing the bottom 18. Includes a flange 20 extending in the orientation. The side wall 16, the bottom 18, and the lid 14 surround the interior space 22, which contains a substance for preparing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance. Preferably, the substance is 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of extractable product, eg roasted and ground coffee for the preparation of a cup of beverage. The capsule is initially sealed, i.e. sealed before use.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 penetrates the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 to create at least one inlet opening 25 in the bottom 18 in order to supply the fluid to the extractable product through the inlet opening 25. The bottom piercing means 24 of the above is included.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises a lid piercing means 26 (here formed as a protrusion of the closing member 8) to pierce the lid 14 of the capsule 2. In the lid piercing means 26, once the (fluid) pressure in the internal space 22 exceeds the threshold pressure and the lid 14 is pressed against the lid piercing means 26 with sufficient force, the lid 14 is dehiscenced. Can be arranged as such. Thus, the aluminum lid 14 is arranged to dehiscence on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the fluid pressure in the capsule.

Capsule 2 further comprises a sealing structure 28, which is shown as a general box in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B, but is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A-4H. This sealing structure when the enclosing member 6 is placed in the enclosing member 6 and the enclosing member 6 is closed by the extraction plate 8 so that the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8 are engaged in a sealing manner. 28 is arranged by an outwardly extending flange 20 such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and at least a portion of the sealing structure 28 provide fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member 6. Will be done.

As shown in FIG. 2, the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device includes an annular element 41 having an annular element central axis 41A and a free annular end face 30. The annular end face 30 of the annular element 41 includes a plurality of open grooves 40 extending in the radial direction. The plurality of open grooves 40 extending in the radial direction are uniformly spaced from each other in the tangential direction of the annular end face 30 of the annular element. The maximum tangential width of each groove 40 is 0.9 to 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, and the axial direction of the surrounding member 6 of each groove 40. The maximum height in the above is 0.01 to 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and most preferably 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 is in the range of 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular end face at the groove position can be, for example, 0.05 to 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.55 mm.

One embodiment of the capsule according to the invention is shown in detail by FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter ODF of the flange 20 extending outward is larger than the diameter DB of the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the outwardly extending flange 20 has an outer diameter ODF of about 37.1 mm and a bottom 18 DB of about 23.3 mm. In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12 is 100 μm. Generally, the wall thickness is preferably 20 to 200 μm depending on various considerations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum lid 14 is 39 μm, preferably in the range of 15-65 μm, more particularly 30-45 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the aluminum lid 14 is smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42 facing the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. The outwardly extending flange 20 extends from its free end 42 in a direction that at least substantially crosses the capsule body central axis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curved outer edge 43 that is useful for obtaining a seal between the capsule and the enclosing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved outer edge 43 of the flange 20 extending outward has a maximum dimension of about 1.2 mm. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and the inner edge 43A of the curved outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the free end 42 and the outer side of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 The distance between the outermost edge portion 43B of the flange 20 extending in the direction is about 3.8 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sealing structure 28 is disposed between the free end of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and the inner edge 43A of the curved outer edge 42 of the flange extending outward. There is. The sealing structure 28 is shown as a general box, but will be described in more detail below. Regardless of the embodiment of the encapsulation structure 28, the height of the encapsulation structure is preferably at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, most preferably at least in order to provide proper encapsulation. It is 0.8 mm, a maximum of 3 mm, more preferably a maximum of 2 mm, and preferably a maximum of 1.2 mm.

As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a line perpendicular to the capsule body central axis 12A and an angle A of about 97.5 °. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a maximum inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 further has a substantially flat central portion 18A facing the lid 14, the central portion 18A having a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm, at which the central portion 18A is formed with an inlet opening 25. sell. The entrance opening may also be formed at the incision between the central portion 18A and the sidewall 16. The total height TH of the aluminum capsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

System 1 shown in FIG. 1 is for preparing a cup of drinkable beverage (in this example coffee, the substance in the capsule is roasted and ground coffee): It is operated like.

The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate 8 comes into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means 24 penetrates the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 to form the inlet opening 25. A fluid (here, hot water under pressure) is supplied to the extractable product in the interior space 22 through the inlet opening 25. Hot water moistens the ground coffee and extracts the desired substance to form a coffee beverage.

While water is supplied to the internal space 22 under pressure, the pressure in the capsule 2 rises. Due to the increase in pressure, the lid 14 is deformed and pressed against the lid piercing means 26 of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, it exceeds the tear strength of the lid 14, which is captured by the lid piercing means 26 and creates an outlet opening. The prepared coffee can be discharged from the capsule 2 through the outlet opening and outlet 32 (see FIG. 1) of the brewing plate 8 and supplied to a container, eg, a cup (not shown).

The system 1 provides a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device before or at the beginning of preparation, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. Is arranged so as to exert a force F1 on the sealing structure 28 of the capsule 2. Here, the force F1 is 30 to 150 N, preferably 40 to 40 when the fluid pressure P1 in the surrounding member of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 0.1 to 4 bar, preferably 0.1 to 1 bar. It is in the range of 150 N, more preferably 50 to 100 N. During preparation, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F2 on the encapsulating structure 28 of the capsule 2 so as to provide a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6. To exert. Here, F2 is in the range of 500 to 1500 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably 12 to 18 bar. , Preferably in the range of 750 to 1250N. In the illustrated embodiment, one portion 6B of the enclosing member 6 encloses towards the extraction plate 8 to exert maximum force between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. The member 6 can move relatively to the extraction plate 8 under the influence of the fluid pressure in the device. This transfer can be done during use, i.e., at the beginning of preparation and during preparation. The surrounding member 6 has a first portion 6A and a second portion 6B, the second portion including the annular end face 30. The second portion 6B can move between the first and second positions relative to the first portion 6A. The second portion 6B can move from the first position to the second position in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence of the fluid pressure in the surrounding member 6. The force F1 discussed above can be reached if the second portion 6B is in the first position at the fluid pressure P1. The force F2 discussed above can be reached if the second portion 6B is moved towards a second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.

As a result of the applied force, the capsule encapsulation structure 28 according to the invention undergoes plastic deformation and fits closely into the groove 40 of the annular end face 30 and thus with the enclosing member 6 at a relatively low fluid pressure at the start of preparation. Not only does it provide a sealing contact with the capsule 3, but it also provides a sealing contact with a much higher fluid pressure within the enclosing member outside the capsule during preparation. A closed form of the enclosing member with respect to the groove 40 is shown in FIG. 3C showing the capsule 2 of the present invention after use, in which the outwardly extending flange 20 fits into the enclosing member groove 40. It is clearly shown that the deformed portion 40'is included.

An exemplary embodiment of the encapsulation structure 28 with an outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 according to the present invention will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4H.

FIG. 4A shows a first example of a flange 20 in which the sealing structure 28 is in contact with the annular end face of the enclosing member 6 before the sealing structure 28 is deformed. The sealing structure is in the form of a deformable sealing ring portion 28 of the flange 20. A lid 14 is attached to the base portions 44, 45 of the flange 20 which defines a flat base level plane of the flange 20 perpendicular to the capsule body axis. The sealing ring portion 28 projects axially from the base portions 44, 45 of the flange 20 on the side of the base portions 44, 45 on the opposite side of the lid 14 (that is, the side facing the annular end surface 30).

The deformable sealing ring portion 28 extends from the inner base portion 44 of the flange 20 and is adjacent to the inner side wall portion 46 and the outer wall portion extending from and adjacent to the outer base portion 45 of the flange 20. It has a portion 47 and. The outer side wall portion 47 is placed facing outward from the inner side wall portion 46, and is arranged at a distance from the inner side wall portion 46. The deformable sealing ring portion 28 further includes a bridge portion 48 that interconnects the inner side wall portion 46 and the outer wall portion 47. The bridge portion 48 is axially spaced from the base portions 44, 45 of the flange 20. In a cross section as shown, the top 49 of the bridge portion axially farthest from the base portion of the flanges 44, 45 is curved with a radius of curvature greater than twice the wall thickness of the top 49 of the bridge portion 48. It has a central surface. Since the radius of curvature is relatively large, when the annular end face 30 is pressed against the deformable sealing ring portion 28 and deformed, it is relatively easily deformed to fit the shape of the annular end face 30. sell. Since the deformable sealing ring portion 28 is an integral part of the capsule body, it can be manufactured efficiently and is made from the same material as the rest of the capsule body, which is the use and disposal of the capsule. After that, it can be recycled with the rest of the capsule body.

The inner side wall portion 46 is oriented with respect to the base portions of the flanges 44 and 45 at an angle different from that of the outer wall portion 47. This causes an accurate and reliable deformation of the sealing structure 28 into a predetermined shape during sealing. In particular, transitions between the circumferential sections that deform into different end shapes are avoided during the deformation. Such transitions carry an increased risk of leakage.

In this embodiment, the outer wall portion extends at an angle with respect to the plane of the flange-related adjacent base portion, and the inner sidewall portion is opposite to the flange-related adjacent base portion. This effect is achieved particularly effectively because it extends at an angle so that it is parallel to the outer wall portion 47. The oblique angle is preferably 20-60 °, more preferably 30-50 °, and the opposite angle is preferably 120 with respect to the planes of the respective associated adjacent base portions 44, 45 of the flange. It is ~ 160 °, more preferably 110 ~ 150 °.

In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the outer wall portion 147 is substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the flange adjacent to the outer wall portion 147. In addition to the curved portion including the top portion 149, the bridge portion 148 also has an oblique, substantially flat portion 150. For smooth, accurate and reliable deformation to a given shape, the inner wall portion 146 has a curved central surface adjacent to the curvature of the top of the bridge portion. The relatively easy compressibility of the curved inner sidewall portion 146 is accommodated by the substantially hinged deflection of the flat portion 150 of the bridge portion around its connection to the outer wall portion 147. Therefore, the adjacent portions of the inner sidewall portion 146 and the bridge portion 148 are prevented from being folded flat to one side, and the curved section formed by these portions is above itself during deformation. It is guaranteed to be folded into, thereby ensuring that a relatively constant counterforce is exerted during the deformation.

FIG. 4C shows an example in which the top 249 of the bridge portion 248 is flat (ie, has an infinitely large radius of curvature). Also, such flat wall portions are relatively easily deformable due to the smooth fit to the shape of the annular end face 30. The inner and outer wall portions 246 and 247 are oriented perpendicular to the adjacent base portion of the flanges 244 and 245 to provide a particularly rigid support for the bridge portion 248, which is the annular end face. As a result of the pressure exerted by 30, the bridge portion is prevented from being displaced as a whole, thus the deformation is concentrated on the bridge portion 248 itself, at least initially. And this is advantageous in terms of adapting the shape of the sealing ring portion 228 to the shape of the annular end face 30. If at least one portion of the top 249 of the bridge portion 248 has a wall thickness that is smaller and thinner than the wall thickness of the inner and outer wall portions 247 and 246 (thinned wall thickness is not shown in FIG. 4C). ), Especially effective and reliable sealing can already be achieved with low sealing pressure. In this embodiment and other embodiments, the at least reduced thickness of the bridge portion can be, for example, 10-95 μm, more preferably 30-70 μm, most preferably 40-50 μm.

In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the deformable sealing ring portion is Ω-shaped, with the inner sidewall portion 346, the bridge portion 348 with the top 349, and the outer wall portion 347 being essentially. Has a constant radius of curvature. Such a shape is particularly advantageous for smooth, accurate and reliable deformation to a given shape. Another advantage of such a shape is that only a small gap is left between the inner base portion 344 and the outer base portion 345 of the flange, leaving a large surface area for the adhesion of the lid 14 and the flange. It means that it has become.

In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the deformable sealing ring portion 428 is also Ω-shaped, but has a larger radius of curvature, and the width of the Ω-shaped portion is the annular end face. It is designed to be at least as wide as the width of 30. This allows the annular end face to be (originally) pushed into the Ω-shaped portion, the width of the Ω-shaped portion increases during deformation and at the outer and inner boundary regions of the annular end face 30. A particularly effective double encapsulation is being achieved.

In the example shown in FIG. 4F, in order to obtain a high counterpressure during the final stage of deformation of the sealing structure, a support member 551 of a relatively elastic material is provided with an inner side wall portion 546 and an outer wall portion 547. It is provided between the spaces and below the bridge portion 548. Such a support member is particularly advantageous when the deformable sealing ring portion 528 has a relatively flat structure, as in the present embodiment.

Similar to the example shown in FIG. 4G, the annular end face where at least one portion of the top 649 of the bridge portion 648 has a thinner wall thickness less than the wall thickness of the inner and outer wall portions 647,646. A particularly good fit for the shape of 30 and thus a particularly effective and reliable encapsulation can already be achieved with a low encapsulation pressure.

The bridge portion 649 may have an uncoated surface facing the annular end face 30, while the rest of the capsule body material may be covered on the same side or both sides, during reduction of wall thickness. To avoid damage to the coating, or by removing the coating while reducing the wall thickness. The coating has been removed, but the texture can be applied to the surface from which the coating has been removed. Preferably, such textures, including circumferential ridges and valleys of the flange, can further improve the initial suitability of the clamp when the sealing pressure is still low. This is because the clamping force is transmitted only through the ridges of the texture, so that higher contact pressure is applied at the ridges than is applied to the perfectly smooth contact surface.

In FIG. 4H, one of the wall portions 746, 747 (in this case, the outer wall portion 747) is the other of the wall portions 746, 747 (in this case, relative to the flange base portions 744, 745). An example is shown in which it is oriented more steeply than the inner side wall portion 747), which is oriented diagonally with respect to the flange base portions 744,745. Also, in this example, the diagonal wall portion 746 is pivoted when it follows the deformation of the bridge portion 748 and the deformation of the steep wall portion 747, and the diagonal wall portion 746 is the steepest deformed steepest. Prevents the wall portion 747 from overlapping. The steep outer wall portion 747 is positioned so that when the enclosing member is pressed against the top portion 749 of the bridge portion, it is deflected to the outside of the annular end face 30. The wall material at the upper end of the steep outer wall portion 747 is then deformed in a rolling off manner. Because it follows the bridge portion 748, the bridge portion 748 is inside as illustrated by the deformed conditions 728'and 728'of the deformable sealing portion 728 shown in FIG. 4H. This is because it is pushed down and held radially by pivoting the wall portion 746. Therefore, initially, the shape of the annular end face 30 when the annular end face 30 is pressed against the top portion 794 of the bridge portion 748. A local deformation suitable for is achieved. Subsequently, the rolling-off deformation allows for a smooth axial deformation over a large orbit.

In each of the examples shown in FIGS. 4A-4H, the top of the bridge portion is the annular end when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member of the compatible beverage regulator. It is positioned so that it is first contacted by the portion 30. Moreover, the diameter of the top of the bridge portion is such that when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member of the compatible beverage conditioning device, the top of the bridge portion is first at the center of the annular end face. It is designed to be centered with respect to the annular end face 30 so as to come into contact with.

In the specification so far, it has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, it is clear that various modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention according to the claimed invention.

Claims (24)

A capsule containing a substance for preparing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule.
An aluminum capsule body having a capsule body central axis, wherein the aluminum capsule body has a bottom, a side wall, an outwardly extending flange, and a sealing structure on the flange, and is attached to and attached to the flange. With a lid that seals the capsule closed,
Where the capsule is placed within an enclosure of the beverage preparation device and the enclosure is closed by the closing member of the beverage preparation device, and at least a portion of the flange and the sealing structure are annular end faces of the enclosure. In the capsule, the encapsulation structure, when clamped between and the closing member, is deformable to provide fluid encapsulation contact with the annular end face of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device. ,
The sealing structure includes a deformable sealing ring portion of the flange, wherein the sealing ring portion is on the side of the base portion of the flange opposite the lid, where the lid is attached. The deformable sealing ring portion is axially protruding from the base portion of the flange.
An inner side wall portion extending from the inner base portion of the flange and adjacent to the inner side wall portion,
An outer wall portion extending from and adjacent to the outer base portion of the flange, where the outer wall is located radially outside the inner side wall portion and radially spaced apart from the inner side wall portion. Have been placed,
A support member between the inner side wall portion and the outer wall portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the inner side wall portion and the outer wall portion, wherein the bridge portion is from the base portion of the flange. Arranged at intervals in the axial direction,
Equipped with
In a radial cross section, the top of the bridge portion axially farthest from the base portion of the flange is flat or has a radius of curvature greater than twice the wall thickness of the top of the bridge portion. Has a curved central surface,
The capsule, characterized in that at least a portion of the apex of the bridge portion has a reduced wall thickness that is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner side wall portion and the outer wall portion. The top of the bridge portion is positioned so that the sealing ring portion is first contacted by the annular end face when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member of a compatible beverage preparation device. The capsule according to claim 1. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the top of the bridge portion forms a circumferentially extending crest around the centerline of the capsule, the crest having a diameter of 29-33 mm . The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 μm . The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aluminum capsule body has a wall thickness larger than the wall thickness of the lid. The side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end facing the bottom, and the outwardly extending flange traverses the capsule body central axis from the free end of the side wall at least substantially substantially. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which extends in the direction. The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the outwardly extending flange includes a curved outer edge portion radially outward of the sealing portion. One of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aluminum capsule body is truncated and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a line perpendicular to the central axis of the capsule body and an angle of about 97.5 °. Capsules described in section. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing structure has an axial height of at least about 0.1 mm and a maximum of 3 mm . During preparation, when the annular end face exerts a force F on the sealing structure of the capsule so as to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end face, the sealing ring portion is the sealing ring. F is where the moiety is deformable to effectively seal against the annular surface, where the fluid pressure in the enclosure outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the capsule is in the range of 500 to 1500 N. In use, the seal if the annular end face exerts a force F1 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end face before or at the beginning of the preparation. The stop ring portion is deformable such that the sealing ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface, where the fluid pressure in the enclosure member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the force F1 is in the range of 30 to 150 N when P1 is in the range of 0.1 to 4 bar. The annular end faces pressed against the sealing ring portion are a plurality of open grooves extending in the radial direction, which are uniformly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the annular end faces. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sealing ring portion is deformable so that the sealing ring portion effectively seals the annular surface. .. When the maximum width of each of the grooves is 0.9 to 1.1 mm, the sealing ring portion can be deformed so that the sealing ring portion effectively seals the annular surface. Here, the maximum height of each of the grooves in the axial direction of the enclosure of the beverage preparation device is 0.01 to 0.09 mm, and the number of the grooves is 90 to 110 , and 13. The capsule of claim 13 , wherein the annular end face at the groove position has a radial width of 0.05 to 0.9 mm . The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sealing ring portion and the remaining portion of the capsule body are made of the same plate material. A system for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule.
A beverage preparation device provided with an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises a fluid injection means for supplying a pressurized fluid into the capsule, and the beverage preparation device is further provided with the beverage preparation device. The enclosure comprises a closing member that closes the enclosure, the enclosure having an annular end having an annular end face, and having the capsule according to any one of claims 1-15. The above system. 16. Claim 16, wherein when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member, the annular end face is initially positioned to contact the top of the bridge portion. The described system. In a cross-sectional view, the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end face and the closing member so that the top of the bridge portion first contacts the central portion of the annular end face. 17. The system of claim 17, which is centrally located with respect to the annular end face. The system of any one of claims 16-18, wherein during use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosure of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar. The system is arranged such that the annular end face exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure of the capsule so as to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end face during preparation in use. Where the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosure outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar, any of claims 16-19. Or the system described in paragraph 1. The system is arranged such that the annular end face exerts a force F on the sealing structure of the capsule so as to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end face before or at the beginning of preparation in use. Claimed that the force F1 is in the range of 30-150N, where the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosure outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar. The system according to any one of 16 to 20. The annular end face has a plurality of open grooves extending in the radial direction, and the plurality of radial opening grooves are uniformly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the annular end face. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 21. The maximum width of each groove is 0.9-1.1 mm , the maximum height of each groove in the axial direction of the enclosure of the beverage preparation device is 0.01-0.09 mm , and the number of grooves is 22. The system of claim 22, wherein the annular width at the groove position is 90 to 110 and the radial width of the annular end face is 0.05 to 0.9 mm. During use, when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosure member of the beverage preparation device, under the influence of pressure of the fluid in the enclosure member of the beverage preparation device toward the closing member. 16-. The system according to any one of 23.

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